Isaac Siprian, pastor of First Baptist Church of Elk Grove Village, died April 7. He and his wife, Petra, had previously tested positive for COVID-19, according to a report from the Fox Valley Baptist Association.
Petra Siprian is still hospitalized but out of ICU, a family member said in an email update shared with IBSA. Before Pastor Siprian died, the family was able to pray with him over the phone.
“This is an especially sad day for Illinois Baptists,” said IBSA Executive Director Nate Adams, “when the pandemic takes someone in our ministry family. We urge all Illinois Baptists to be in prayer for Petra, their family, and First Baptist Elk Grove Village as they deal with their painful loss.”
Mark Inman, director of missions for Fox Valley Association, said Pastor Siprian grew up in South Texas and served 10 years at a church in Detroit before moving to Chicagoland. Petra Siprian heads up a sewing ministry that produces children’s clothing for distribution at mission points worldwide.
“It’s a personal loss to me,” Inman said. “He was a fine pastor and, with his congregation, a great supporter of missions.”
As of April 7, the global COVID-19 pandemic has claimed 380 lives in Illinois. There are more than 387,000 cases in the U.S., and more than 12,000 people have died.